“I’m not a teacher anymore, but can I do this?” I muttered to myself. ‘This’ was creating an Instagram reel for The Sage Forum. I’d read an article titled, “How to bring your social media audience to Substack.” One tip: face-to-camera videos outperform other ways of sharing. 

‘Not anymore’ seemed like a good way to find out what I could do.

Anymore: no longer servants but friends

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 NIV

Jesus calls the disciples and believers His “friends.” This does not negate the idea that believers are “servants” of Christ. Rather, Jesus indicates His relationship with believers involves communication and support. We, in turn, are meant to pass the Word and love along to other people. 

In my case, by making the ‘what’ Instagram reel.

Anymore: no more, neither, nor

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 ESV

Life brings both trouble and blessings. Christians look beyond suffering and sorrow to the eternal day shown to us in Revelation. Sin and evil have been totally and completely defeated. Justice has prevailed, wrongs righted and suffering gone. No more death, neither mourning nor crying nor pain anymore.

All the more reason to spread the ‘anymore’ message.

Anymore: no longer staring at a closed door

As I read the instructions for creating a customized reel, doubt crept into my mind. I’ve had many dreams about houses I don’t live in anymore and classrooms I can’t find anymore, because I no longer belong in those places anymore. Perhaps, as our pastor said in his message yesterday, I’ve been staring at closed doors, not knowing who I am anymore or what I’m called to do.

“Bah,” I said to myself, “just do it!” As I had when researching and presenting at the Women’s Retreat two weeks ago (pictured left).

So, I wrote a script, practiced, set up my phone, and recorded. My teaching skills kicked i; it only took two takes. I created a cover, uploaded the image and video files to Instagram, trimmed the video a bit, front and back, and Viola!

A door opened. Not staring at a closed door anymore. How about that?

Linkup with Five Minute Friday.